How to Know if an Autograph Is Authentic

Research the source of the autograph when purchasing signatures from a third party. Ask for information detailing where the autograph was obtained. Research the story you hear. Make an effort to find any credible information linking the celebrity signer to the seller's story. Photos of the signature being applied are the ideal proof of authenticity -- if the photos are available. To analyze earlier (historic or vintage) autographs, research whether or not the media on which the autograph is written is compatible with materials used during the time period when the signer was alive.

Compare the prevailing market price of the autograph to the asking price of the seller. Knock-off autographs will often be sold for significantly less than market value, in an effort to tempt you to purchase a deal that really is too good to be true.

Look for signs of fluidity in the handwriting itself. Autographs are typically written quickly and shouldn't show signs of hesitation, such as blotting or heavy ink marks at the end of a letter. Autographs that appear awkward may indicate an attempt to forge the signature. Likewise, autographs that appear to have been drawn, or autographs that are shaky, are often specimens that were produced by machinery -- as when someone creates what are known as "preprints."

Study an authenticated autograph of the individual whose signature you are evaluating. Then compare the authentic version to the autograph in question and look closely for unique handwriting traits that can be authenticated, such as loops at the end of letters, larger letters or oddly shaped letters.

Shine a flashlight on autographs that have been scribed on photo paper. Watch to see if the signature fades along with the background picture when light is applied, or if the signature stands out. Autographs that are not printed as a part of the picture should remain highly visible while the rest of the image on the photo paper becomes washed out by the light.